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Hazelzet E, Houkes I, Bosma H, de Rijk A. How a steeper organisational hierarchy prevents change-adoption and implementation of a sustainable employability intervention for employees in low-skilled jobs: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2373. [PMID: 36528559 PMCID: PMC9759045 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14754-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoption and implementation are prerequisites for the effectiveness of organisational interventions, but successful implementation is not self-evident. This article provides insights into the implementation of the organisational intervention 'Healthy Human Resources' (HHR). HHR is developed with Intervention Mapping and aims at improving sustainable employability (SE) of employees in low-skilled jobs. METHODS Qualitative data on adoption and implementation were collected by interviews with three employees and seven middle managers in five Dutch organisations and by extensive notes of observations and conversations in a logbook. Data triangulation was applied and all data were transcribed and analysed thematically using the qualitative analysis guide of Leuven (QUAGOL). RESULTS All organisations adopted HHR, but three failed during the transition from adoption to implementation, and two implemented HHR only partially. The steepness of the organisational hierarchy emerged as an overarching barrier: steeper hierarchical organisations faced more difficulties with implementing HHR than flatter ones. This was reflected in middle managers' lack of decision-making authority and being overruled by senior management. Middle managers felt incapable of remedying the lack of employees' voice. Subsequently, 'us-versus-them' thinking patterns emerged. These power imbalances and 'us-versus-them' thinking reinforced each other, further strengthening the hierarchical steepness. Both processes could be the result of wider socio-political forces. CONCLUSIONS This study improved the understanding of the difficulties to adopt and implement such organisational intervention to contribute to the sustainable employability of employees in low-skilled jobs. Practical implications are given for future implementation of organisational interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Hazelzet
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Inge Houkes
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Bosma
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Angelique de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Systematic Review of Intervention Studies to Foster Sustainable Employability Core Components: Implications for Workplace Promotion. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14063300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to outline the effectiveness of employer-initiated workplace interventions in promoting sustainable employability (SE), which means developing workers’ capabilities to foster productivity, health, and valuable work in the long term. A systematic search of the literature is performed in three databases covering the period from January 1999 to February 2022. Fourteen studies are included. Considering SE core components, all interventions cover the valuable work component in terms of content, and the majority also cover the health component. Interventions addressing at least three SE components have more positive effects on SE outcomes. More positive effects are found for valuable work outcomes. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of developing workplace interventions considering a comprehensive model of SE and promoting an organizational culture for SE. Future directions and limits are discussed.
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Alcover CM, Mazzetti G, Vignoli M. Sustainable Employability in the Mid and Late Career: An Integrative Review. REVISTA DE PSICOLOGÍA DEL TRABAJO Y DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES 2021. [DOI: 10.5093/jwop2021a16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Hazelzet E, Houkes I, Bosma H, de Rijk A. Using intervention mapping to develop 'Healthy HR' aimed at improving sustainable employability of low-educated employees. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1259. [PMID: 34187445 PMCID: PMC8240435 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11278-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The perspectives of low-educated employees are often neglected when designing sustainable employability (SE) interventions. As a result, the interventions offered by the employer do often not align with the needs of low-educated employees. This particular group should therefore be actively involved in the process of developing and implementing SE interventions in their work organizations. The current paper describes the development process of a web-based intervention for HR managers and direct supervisors aimed at improving the SE of low-educated employees. This intervention is specifically designed to involve low-educated employees. METHODS The first four steps of the Intervention Mapping (IM) approach were used to systematically develop the intervention with the active involvement of stakeholders. Step 1 comprised a needs assessment including a literature review, empirical evidence, scoping search and several focus group interviews with employees and with representatives of employers. Step 2 formulated the intervention objective. During step 3, suitable theoretical methods were selected and translated to practical applications. Step 4 involved the development of a web-based intervention by integrating all information from the preceding steps. RESULTS The needs assessment indicated that the employees' active involvement and employees-employer genuine dialogue should be essential characteristics of an SE intervention for low-educated employees. The online toolkit 'Healthy HR' (HHR) was developed, which contains eight steps. Each step consists of one or more tasks helping the employer and employees with developing and implementing SE interventions themselves. One or more dialogue-based tools support each task. The leading principle providing structure within HHR was Adapted Intervention Mapping. CONCLUSION Principles of IM appeared to be useful to develop the intervention HHR systematically. This development process resulted in a practical online toolkit that supports employers in the development and implementation of local SE interventions tailored to the needs of low-educated employees. These employees should be actively involved in the process through a dialogue-based approach. By using IM principles, HHR is expected to increase the effectiveness in bettering the health and well-being of low-educated employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Hazelzet
- Department of Social Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Inge Houkes
- Department of Social Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Bosma
- Department of Social Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Angelique de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Unshrouding the Sphere from the Clouds: Towards a Comprehensive Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Employability. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12166366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sustainable employability refers to individuals’ long-term abilities to work and remain employed. Despite its societal importance in the light of aging populations and rapidly changing skill demands, sustainable employability still requires further definition and conceptualization. As such, the present paper aims to define and conceptualize sustainable employability comprehensively by reviewing existing studies on the concept. Additionally, the paper discusses and integrates sustainable employment, sustainable work, and sustainable work ability into our broad framework of sustainable employability. The resulting conceptual framework positions sustainable employability as an inherently longitudinal multidimensional individual characteristic that is the outcome of complex interactions between individual-, work- and work environmental characteristics. This framework enables researchers to identify the employment characteristics that promote sustainable employability and thereby comprise sustainable employment. Finally, the framework links to notions of person-environment fit, and job- and organizational design to create a basis for future research on sustainable employability.
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Sokas RK, Dong XS, Cain CT. Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4202. [PMID: 31671567 PMCID: PMC6862229 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The average U.S. construction worker is aged 42.6 years, and will not be eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits until age 67. Delayed retirement is largely driven by economic need, but construction workers face considerable challenges in remaining on the job. This study explores trade-specific age trends within the construction industry, and the experiences of building trade unions with aging membership. A mixed-methods approach used trade-specific age statistics from the Current Population Survey and key informant interviews with labor leaders, in order to identify union experiences and interventions. Mean and median ages for all subgroups in construction increased from 2003 to 2017. Immigrant construction workers were significantly younger than workers who were born in the U.S. (41 vs. 43, p < 0.001). Union workers were older than non-union workers (42 vs. 39 in 2017, p < 0.001); the age differential between self-employed and wage-and-salary workers was wide (49 vs. 40, p < 0.001). Union leaders described barriers, such as age discrimination and the loss of previously available light tasks, as well as current and potential solutions through union contract language requiring the inclusion of older workers, or establishing limits for lifting. Other solutions included career pathways for training and safety, with their attendant limitations; mentoring/pairing opportunities with apprentices; and the potential opportunities and training needs for site management positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary K Sokas
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 2005, USA.
- CPWR-Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
| | - Xiuwen Sue Dong
- CPWR-Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
| | - Chris Trahan Cain
- CPWR-Center for Construction Research and Training, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
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Hazelzet E, Picco E, Houkes I, Bosma H, de Rijk A. Effectiveness of Interventions to Promote Sustainable Employability: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16111985. [PMID: 31167462 PMCID: PMC6604015 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16111985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: Despite growing interest in sustainable employability (SE), studies on the effectiveness of interventions aimed at employees’ SE are scarce. In this review, SE is defined by four core components: health, productivity, valuable work, and long-term perspective. The aim of this review is to summarize the effectiveness of employer-initiated SE interventions and to analyze whether their content and outcome measures addressed these SE components. Methods: A systematic search was performed in six databases for the period January 1997 to June 2018. The methodological quality of each included study was assessed. A customized form was used to extract data and categorize interventions according to SE components. Results: The initial search identified 596 articles and 7 studies were included. Methodological quality ranged from moderate to weak. All interventions addressed the components ‘health’ and ‘valuable work’. Positive effects were found for ‘valuable work’ outcomes. Conclusions: The quality of evidence was moderate to weak. The ‘valuable work’ component appeared essential for the effectiveness of SE interventions. Higher-quality evaluation studies are needed, as are interventions that effectively integrate all SE core components in their content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Hazelzet
- Department of Social Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Eleonora Picco
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Inge Houkes
- Department of Social Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans Bosma
- Department of Social Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Angelique de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Merkus SL, Lunde LK, Koch M, Wærsted M, Knardahl S, Veiersted KB. Physical capacity, occupational physical demands, and relative physical strain of older employees in construction and healthcare. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 92:295-307. [PMID: 30443711 PMCID: PMC6420471 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1377-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose To assess age-related differences in physical capacity, occupational physical demands, and relative physical strain at a group level, and the balance between capacity and demands at an individual level, for construction and healthcare workers. Methods Shoulder strength, back strength, and aerobic capacity were assessed among construction (n = 62) and healthcare workers (n = 64). During a full working day, accelerometers estimated upper-arm elevation, trunk flexion, and occupational physical activity as indicators of occupational physical demands. Simultaneously, normalised surface electromyography (%sEMGmax) of the upper trapezius and erector spinae muscles, and normalised electrocardiography (percentage heart rate reserve (%HRR)) estimated relative physical strain. Differences between younger (≤ 44 years) and older (≥ 45 years) workers, as well as the moderating effect of age on the associations between capacity and demands, were analysed per sector. Results Compared to younger workers, older workers had similar strength and lower aerobic capacity; older construction workers had similar demands while older healthcare workers had higher demands. Compared to younger workers, older employees had unfavourable muscle activity patterns; %HRR had a tendency to be lower for older construction workers and higher for older healthcare workers. Among construction workers, age moderated the associations between shoulder strength and arm elevation (p = 0.021), and between aerobic capacity and occupational physical activity (p = 0.040). Age did not moderate these associations among healthcare workers. Conclusions In both sectors, the level of occupational physical demands and the higher relative physical strain in older employees require addressing to promote sustainable work participation among an aging population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00420-018-1377-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne L Merkus
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lars-Kristian Lunde
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Markus Koch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Wærsted
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Knardahl
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kaj Bo Veiersted
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304, Oslo, Norway
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Tonnon SC, van der Veen R, de Kruif ATCM, Robroek SJW, van der Ploeg HP, Proper KI, van der Beek AJ. Strategies of employees in the construction industry to increase their sustainable employability. Work 2018; 59:249-258. [PMID: 29355130 DOI: 10.3233/wor-172679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aging work force makes sustainable employability (SE) of workers a priority. However, it is unknown to what extent employees use implemented SE measures. OBJECTIVE To determine the utilization of 1) SE measures offered by employers, 2) employee SE strategies, and 3) to identify barriers and facilitators of SE strategies. METHODS Survey data were collected among 731 blue collar and 879 white collar workers to determine the utilization of employer SE measures. Focus groups were held with 16 blue collar and 17 white collar workers to identify employee SE strategies and their barriers and facilitators. RESULTS Utilization of employer SE measures was highest for personal development measures. Strategies applied by blue collar workers included using equipment, suggesting improvements of their working conditions, and seeking promotion to a less physically demanding job. White collar workers named engaging in leisure time physical activity and seeking an adequate work-life balance. Implementation of these strategies was influenced by employee awareness and self-efficacy, the accessibility and costs and benefits of the strategy, management support and company culture. CONCLUSION Usage of employer SE measures was generally low and recommendations are given for both blue and white collar workers to improve SE strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne C Tonnon
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rozan van der Veen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anja Th C M de Kruif
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan J W Robroek
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hidde P van der Ploeg
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karin I Proper
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Allard J van der Beek
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Bosch LM, van der Molen HF, Frings-Dresen MHW. Optimizing implementation of interventions in agriculture for occupational upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders: Results of an expert panel. Work 2018; 61:413-420. [PMID: 30373985 PMCID: PMC6311361 DOI: 10.3233/wor-182806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSD) is reported worldwide as the second-largest occupational musculoskeletal disorder in agriculture. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study is to identify facilitators and barriers for employers and workers for implementing interventions to reduce work-related risk factors associated with occupational UEMSD in the agricultural sector, according to health and safety consultants. METHODS An expert panel was used comprising nine health and safety consultants from the Dutch agricultural sector. RESULTS Facilitators and barriers for employers and workers were categorized in the following themes: knowledge, skills, attitude, culture, costs, loss of income, facilitation and employability. There were no differences in facilitators and barriers between UEMSD. CONCLUSIONS Facilitators and barriers for implementing preventive interventions in agriculture were on organizational level, like diversity in choice of preventive devices, and personal level such as willingness if there is no work disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas M Bosch
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk F van der Molen
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique H W Frings-Dresen
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department: Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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